The Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP II) has officially launched the implementation of its third and final round of matching grants, awarding support to 387 beneficiaries, including former Prime Minister Dr. Moeketsi Majoro.
Funded by the World Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Government of Japan, SADP II aims to support the commercialisation of smallholder agriculture in Lesotho by enhancing productivity, sustainability and market access for farmers. Through this final round, the programme continues to promote growth across the sector, with a focus on empowering youth, women and agri-entrepreneurs.
The matching grants are awarded under three competitive categories: Large Grants of up to M1.5 million, Medium Grants of M500, 000 and Youth Grants capped at M300, 000. These grants are intended to finance infrastructure development, climate-smart technologies, and farm business expansion for selected smallholder farmers.
Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, who has turned to agriculture since retiring from politics noted, “On my outgoing speech, I mentioned that Lesotho must feed itself,” he recalled.
“Despite government support like the 80% subsidy on seeds and fertilisers, the 30% discount for tractors through Lesotho Post Bank, and the rise of block farming, our agricultural sector still has a long way to go,” he said.
Now a grain block farmer, Majoro stressed the urgency of protecting agricultural land from urban encroachment.
“Zoning laws exist, but they are not enforced. Productive fields are being converted into residential areas the government must take a stand. The ‘Trump-era’ disruptions in global aid should be a wake-up call for Lesotho to become food secure,” Majoro said.
The matching grants were launched alongside a training workshop designed to prepare beneficiaries for success.
Thabo Matsepe, Chairperson of the Matching Grants Committee, addressed farmers, cautioning them against the mismanagement that plagued earlier rounds.
“We have greenhouses standing empty because some beneficiaries abandoned their projects. This time, District Agricultural Officers and extension staff will ensure compliance. We are no longer taking chances,” Matsepe charged.
Tankiso Mothae, SADP II Grants Officer, emphasised the project’s shift in focus from subsistence farming to enterprise development.
“We expect at least 30% growth from these farms and this means having a clear business plan, knowing your numbers, and being accountable. Production alone is not enough—financial literacy, supply chain awareness, and resource management are equally important.”
While SADP II does not allocate grants by commodity, Mothae noted that certain value chains have shown strong performance in past cycles, including poultry, wool and mohair, tomatoes, and agro-processing.
“If farmers stick to the plan, many of them could become millionaires. The potential is there. We spend billions importing potatoes and cabbage, our farmers should be filling that gap.”
Still, Matsepe expressed caution regarding certain project types.
“Agricultural associations and piggery ventures often collapse due to internal conflicts or lack of sustainability. While we continue to support such groups, we assess them with increased scrutiny.”
He also voiced concern over the limited participation of young people.
“Youth face serious barriers, especially access to land and start-up capital. We urge parents to sublease land to their children. And we call on SADP II to consider revising youth grant requirements to make them more accessible.”
Thabang Tlhapi, a dairy farmer and 2021 grant recipient shared words of advice with the new cohort:
“When using this grant, verify your suppliers. I’ve lost money by dealing with unreliable companies. Consult others, especially when dealing internationally. The Ministry of Agriculture can guide you.”
Lillo Beleme, a high-value crop producer from Ts’ehlanyane, Leribe, reflected on how SADP has shaped his business over five years.
“In phase one, I received 15 bags of fertilizer. This time, I hope to install a greenhouse to maintain yields during winter. I supply Maseru, Leribe, and Mokhotlong. This grant will help me keep up with demand.”
As SADP II enters its final phase before winding down in 2026, its legacy is already tangible. Since its inception, the project has disbursed grants to six lead firms, 63 youth-led ventures, 173 general smallholder farmers in round two, and 54 in round one. The programme continues to be a beacon of hope for transforming agriculture in Lesotho into a viable and sustainable sector.
